The Lighter Things in Golf

The 2008 Ryder Cup teams are set, and the sport’s greatest spectacle will begin two weeks from tomorrow. Both captains did a great job in picking the remaining members of their respective teams, albeit with a little second-guessing from some of the golf media. Nonetheless, this year’s playing should be full of great drama and excitement. It might even be close this time around as well.

With all the Ryder Cup talk swirling through the golf world, I’ve decided to take a week to reflect on some of the golf-related things I’ve enjoyed lately. Whether it has to do with the professional ranks, a reality television show, or a video game, the world of golf has been expanded to great lengths over the past several years. I’m one of many who enjoys all types of golf material, and hopefully you are as well.

2008 FedExCup Playoffs
When Tiger had season-ending knee surgery, many wondered if the season would be lost. Fast forward a few months, and that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Golf fans have been treated to a couple memorable majors, and this year’s FedExCup playoffs have started with a bang. The third leg of the playoffs begin today at Bellerive Country Club, and hopefully the great play continues.

Vijay Singh struggled a little through the first seven months of the season, but his last month has been amazing. Singh won the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in early August, and he also kicked off the FedExCup playoffs by winning the first two events. His recent play seems like a flashback of 2004 when he rose to the top of the golf world. Fans of the sport can only hope this type of play continues into 2009.

Not only has Singh played well in this year’s FedExCup playoffs, other top names in the sport have risen to the occasion. Sergio Garcia, Mike Weir, and Justin Leonard have all finished in the top ten in both playoff events so far, and others like Ernie Els and Jim Furyk have also come on strong as of late.

The goal of the FedExCup was to get the world’s best playing together more often, and it has delivered so far this season. It’s been very exciting, and I’m looking forward to seeing how things end up. While Singh may have things nearly wrapped up, never say never when it comes to golf. So far, this year’s playoffs have been refreshing to say the least.

Highway 18
Taking a break from the profressional ranks, it’s time to turn towards reality television. Golf Channel has produced the Big Break reality series for a number of years, and while the show was enjoyable, it’s nice to get a change of pace on occasion. That’s what Highway 18: Slow Play is not an Option provides, and it’s been a fun show to follow the past month or so.

For those who haven’t seen the show, shame on you. If you have Golf Channel, you need to tune in on Tuesday nights at 10:00 Eastern Time. Five teams of two started the show, and the pairings vary from father/son, best friends, brother/sister, etc.

As for the competition itself, it’s based on a combination of golf knowledge, golf skill, and following driving directions. At the same time, the teams have do all this as quickly as possible because the team that comes in last often gets a strike against them. After each team gets two strikes, they are eliminated.

All in all, the show has been very fun to follow. All teams are still in the competition, but the intensity is starting to pick up now that four of the teams have one strike and are facing elimination each week. The race against time and each other actually stresses me out from time to time, but it also keeps me interested. Highway 18 is definitely an addicting reality show, and if you haven’t watched yet, I highly recommend it.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour ’09 All Play
Even when Tiger isn’t playing, his impact is felt through his yearly video game. I’ve been playing the series since 2000, and I’ve played the games on the PC, Gamecube, PS2, XBox 360, and now the Wii. The last couple I’ve played have been on the Nintendo Wii, and they have left me wanting a little more. This year’s, however, is possibly the best golf game I’ve ever played.

As most people know, the Wii features motion controls. As I swing the Wiimote back, the golfers on the screen swing the golf club back. As I chip or putt, the characters on the screen do the same. You get the point. The last couple haven’t been very close to the actual swing, and that made it hard to keep things in sync. This year’s, on the other hand, is about as close as it can get. It’s much easier to hit half shots, three-quarter shots, etc. The putting mechanic was changed a little this year, and it took some time to get used to. While I prefer last year’s putting, the 2009 style is definitely playable.

This year’s Wii version finally has online capabilities as well, and that part of the game is flawless. I can play with up to three other players at the same time, and things are done simultaneously. That way, I don’t have to wait on every golfer to hit their shots because it’s all happening at the same time. As I’m playing my shots on each hole, I can see colored lines representing how the others are playing the hole. This makes things quick and easy, and it will greatly increase replayability.

Tiger’s swing coach, Hank Haney, is in this year’s game to help with training events, club tuner, etc. There are also a few new golfers including Darren Clarke, and there are five new courses including Bay Hill, Wentworth, etc. The usual modes such as Tiger Challenge, PGA Tour Season, and FedExCup are also in the game, and those will keep people busy until next year’s version is released.

I got the game a week or so ago, and I’ve spent a number of hours playing already. My wife probably isn’t real happy about it, but this year’s game is more addicting than ever before. I haven’t played the game enough to give a fair and honest review, but in the early stages, it’s definitely a 9 out of 10 at the very least. I can’t speak for other console versions, but it’s great on the Wii.

The Final Say
It’s always fun following the more serious things in the world of golf, but there should also be time for some of the lighter things in golf. So if you ever have any free time, watch a little Highway 18 or other golf-related reality shows. If you have a little more spare time and a Wii, go out and rent or buy Tiger Woods ’09. You will have a blast by yourself or with your family. Besides, it’s just a game right?

It’s your turn to tell me what you think about this week’s article. Have you enjoyed this year’s FedExCup playoffs so far? Also, have you had a chance to watch Highway 18 or play Tiger Woods 09 for any console? If so, what did you think? If you have anything to add, please comment below or discuss it in the forum. Thanks for reading this week’s Thrash Talk, and now I’m off to Pennsylvania for the 2008 Newport Cup!

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